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The best products of 2017

CNET put hundreds of products through the ringer this year. These are the best of them.

CNET staff
best products of 2017
1 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

The best tech of 2017

2017 is drawing to the close, so it's a perfect time to look back at the products that defined the year in tech. What follows are the favorite products across the board at CNET this year. 

Roku Streaming Stick Plus
2 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

At just $70 with 4K HDR video, more apps than any competitors and a new remote that can control your TV, the Plus is the best streamer for most people. That's why we awarded it a five-star rating and an enthusiastic CNET Editors' Choice.  

-- David Katzmaier   

Apple TV 4K
3 of 53 CNET

Apple TV 4K

Now that it has Amazon Prime Video, Apple's high-end box is the best choice for users with expensive TVs who want to stream with a premium feel.

-- David Katzmaier   

LG OLEDC7P
4 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG OLEDC7P

It has the best image quality of any TV we've ever tested. Sure LG's OLED is expensive, but for videophiles, it's worth it.  

-- David Katzmaier   

TCL P series Roku TV (2017)
5 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

TCL P series Roku TV (2017)

This TCL has excellent picture quality and Roku's best-in-class smart TV system. If not for the fact that it only comes in a 55-inch size, it would've been a contender for best overall LCD TV of 2017.

-- David Katzmaier   

Vizio M series (2017)
6 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Vizio M series (2017)

Want to pay as little money as possible for a truly excellent picture? The Vizio M series, our favorite LCD of 2017, is your best bet -- which is why it's our value TV Editors' Choice.

-- David Katzmaier 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II
7 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The addition of a direct-connect shortcut button for Google Assistant has made Bose's already top-notch wireless noise-canceling headphone a touch better.

-- David Carnoy

Sony WH-1000XM2
8 of 53 CNET

Sony WH-1000XM2

With improved battery life and some additional features, the excellent sounding Sony WH-1000XM2 has matched the Bose QuietComfort 35 II in the premium wireless noise-canceling division.

-- David Carnoy

V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless
9 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless

While it doesn't have noise canceling, some small improvements make the solidly built Crossfade 2 Wireles one of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones.

-- David Carnoy

Vizio SB3621
10 of 53 CNET

Vizio SB3621

"Cheap" no longer needs to mean "nasty." Not only is the Vizio SB3621 one of the best sound bars we've seen in 2017, but -- at $150 in the US -- it's also the cheapest. That's why astounding value racked up a five-star rating and an Editors' Choice.

-- Ty Pendlebury

sony-str-dn1080-04.jpg
11 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony STR-DN1080

With modern features including 4K compatibility and Chromecast and AirPlay built-in, the Sony snagged an Editors' Choice as the best overall receiver for 2017. 

-- Ty Pendlebury

Sonos One
12 of 53 CNET

Sonos One

In addition to being the best-sounding Alexa-compatible speaker we've heard yet, the Sonos One will be adding support for Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2 in 2018. That makes it as close to a universal smart speaker as we've seen yet, and earns it an Editors' Choice.

-- Ty Pendlebury

Yamaha YAS-207
13 of 53 CNET

Yamaha YAS-207

Yamaha has proven it's still on top when it comes to simulated surround on a budget. If you don't have the space or money for a 5.1 system, get the YAS-207.

-- Ty Pendlebury

Bose SoundLink Revolve+
14 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Bose SoundLink Revolve+

It's not cheap, and it lacks the "smarts" of Alexa or Google Assistant that's now de rigeur for home speakers. But the easily portable Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker of its size.

-- John P. Falcone

Q Acoustics 3020
15 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Q Acoustics 3020

The Q Acoustics 3020 bookshelf speakers redefine performance on a budget with truly audiophile-level sound quality. These speakers are a whole lot of fun.

-- Ty Pendlebury

KEF Q350
16 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

KEF Q350

The KEF Q350 offer a relaxed yet tightly integrated sound that suits every style of music. It also helps that they look stunning too with their coaxial drivers.

-- Ty Pendlebury

Apple iPhone X
17 of 53 CNET

Apple iPhone X

Apple's reinvention of the iPhone is the boldest revamp in years and is a perfect size, packing a bright OLED and using Face ID for security. It's expensive, but it's the best.

-- Scott Stein

Samsung Galaxy Note 8
18 of 53 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

With its expansive 6.3-inch screen, smart S Pen stylus that's packed with productivity tools and dual-rear cameras, the 8 fully redeems the Note name. It's the best overall Android phone of the year if price is no object.

-- Lynn La

OnePlus 5
19 of 53 Josh Miller/CNET

OnePlus 5T

With its big 6-inch screen, premium processor and dual rear cameras that take great low-light shots, the OnePlus 5T (and its predecessor, the 5) is our Editors' Choice for midprice phones. 

-- Lynn La

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
20 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

Though it features the same sleek design and water resistance, the Galaxy S8 Plus improves on the already stellar Galaxy S8 -- tacking on a larger 6.2-inch screen and a bigger battery that lasts ultra long.

-- Lynn La

iPhone 8 Plus
21 of 53 Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Apple iPhone 8 Plus

The old-school iPhone 8 Plus has the same speed and nearly the same cameras as X, at a slightly lower price. Its battery is also a bit better, and the standard home button appeals to traditionalists who aren't quite ready for Face ID.

-- Scott Stein

Samsung Galaxy S8
22 of 53 CNET

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus

As Samsung's marquee phone of the year, the Galaxy S8 doesn't disappoint. Along with a beautiful design, it serves up water resistance, a long-lasting battery that can wireless charge and expandable memory.

The Plus, meanwhile, features the same sleek design and water resistance, but tacks on a larger 6.2-inch screen and a bigger battery that lasts ultra long.

-- Lynn La

LG V30
23 of 53 César Salza / CNET

LG V30

It's the "everything" phone. The LG V30 has performance and battery life to spare, plus the stellar-sounding headphone jack, wide-angle camera and recording modes you never knew you needed.

-- Sean Hollister

Google Pixel 2
24 of 53 Josh Miller/CNET

Google Pixel 2

Not only is the Pixel 2 water-resistant, but it has the best camera on any Android phone. Plus, its Google Lens software feature lets you look up more info about the world around you. And the pure Android operating system means you always have the latest OS and security updates.

-- Lynn La

Motorola Moto G5 Plus
25 of 53 CNET

Motorola Moto G5 Plus

The Motorola Moto G5 Plus has a near stock version of Android Nougat, a good camera, a metal build, and a fingerprint sensor with trackpad-like shortcuts -- all for about $230 in the US. That's why it's our Editors' Choice budget phone.

-- Patrick Holland

Fitbit Alta HR
26 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Fitbit Alta HR

Fitbit's slimmest full fitness tracker has heart rate and a display for stats and the time. Mostly automatic and easy to use, it's our Editors' Choice for non-smartwatch fitness band.

-- Scott Stein

DJI Phantom 4 Pro
27 of 53 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

DJI Phantom 4 Pro

The Phantom 4 Pro is loaded with all of DJI's latest tech like sensors all around its body to avoid collisions, whether you're actively piloting it or it's flying on its own. Add in a new camera with a large 1-inch image sensor for capturing more detail even in low light and you've got one amazing quad for the money. 

-- Joshua Goldman

Philips SceneSwitch 60W Equivalent LED
28 of 53 Chris Monroe/CNET

Philips SceneSwitch 60W Equivalent LED

With the flip of a switch, you can dim this bulb without a dimmer switch or change its color temperature. It aced our performance tests, too.

-- Ry Crist

Roost Smart Water and Freeze Detector
29 of 53 Roost

Roost Smart Water and Freeze Detector

This battery-powered leak detector has features comparable to more expensive competitors -- all for just $50 in the US.

-- Andrew Gebhart

Ecobee4
30 of 53 CNET

Ecobee4

Ecobee took the crown from Nest for best smart thermostat this year. With its ability to work with every voice platform, the Ecobee4 was a slam-dunk Editors' Choice.

-- Megan Wollerton

Cnct IntelliPlug
31 of 53 Chris Monroe/CNET

Cnct IntelliPlug

This reliable smart plug works with Alexa, and unlike pricier competitors, it only costs $25.

-- Andrew Gebhart

Amazon Echo (2nd Generation)
32 of 53 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Amazon Echo (2017)

The all-new Echo sticks to Alexa's winning formula while offering an improved design, an aux out jack for connecting with external speakers, and a much lower price.

-- Ry Crist

Amazon Cloud Cam
33 of 53 CNET

Amazon Cloud Cam

Amazon's first security camera delivers 1080p HD resolution and seven days of free cloud clip storage -- and still hits the best price in its class. That's why it snagged an Editors' Choice nod.

-- Megan Wollerton

River Abode Starter Kit
34 of 53 River

River Abode Starter Kit

This home security kit makes it easy to add accessories over time, and you can arm and disarm with Alexa.

-- Megan Wollerton

Samsung RF23M8090SG
35 of 53 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Samsung RF23M8090SG Refrigerator

This modern-looking French door fridge is an exceptional performer with a thoughtful, refined design. An auto-filling water pitcher inside the door is a terrific addition to an already strong set of features.

-- Ry Crist

LG LDF5545ST
36 of 53 Chris Monroe/CNET

LG LDF5545ST Dishwasher

This feature-rich dishwasher delivers great cleaning performance for its midrange price.

-- Andrew Gebhart

Electrolux EI30EF45QS
37 of 53 Chris Monroe/CNET

Electrolux EI30EF45QS Stove

The Electrolux EI30EF45QS provides a taste of luxury that costs less than comparable models and performs just as well -- if not better.

-- Ashlee Clark Thompson

GE GTW685BSLWS
38 of 53 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

GE GTW685BSLWS Washing Machine

GE's top-loading washing machine strikes the right balance between luxury and affordability.

-- Megan Wollerton

Samsung DV7750
39 of 53 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Samsung DV7750 Dryer

With simple to use controls and exceptional speed, Samsung's attractive yet affordable DV7750 dryer should be on your appliance shopping short list.

-- Brian Bennett

iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 2017)
40 of 53 Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 2017)

The best current iPad has a bigger, faster, smoother display in nearly the same body as before, and a much more powerful processor. Art and graphics pros will love it.

-- Scott Stein

Lenovo Yoga 920
41 of 53 Josh Goldman/CNET

Lenovo Yoga 920

Lenovo already had an excellent two-in-one with the Yoga 910, but by addressing its few weaknesses and adding new eighth-gen Intel Core i-series processors, the Yoga 920 instantly became the best hybrid we tested in 2017.

-- Joshua Goldman

Dell XPS 13
42 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Dell XPS 13

Dell's XPS 13 for 2017 is still the world's smallest 13.3-inch laptop, it's just that now it has eighth-gen Intel processors paired with Dell technologies for a big performance boost and longer battery life (more than 12 hours in our tests).

-- Joshua Goldman

HP EliteBook x360
43 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

HP EliteBook x360

HP takes its excellent professional-level EliteBook laptop, one of our ultra-slim favorites from 2016, and adds a 360-degree hinge and touchscreen. 

-- Dan Ackerman

Samsung Chromebook Pro
44 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung Chromebook Pro

A Chromebook nearly without compromises, and at a very reasonable price, the Samsung Chromebook Pro sports a stylus pen, 360-degree hybrid hinge and support for many of the apps in the Google Play Store. 

-- Dan Ackerman

HP Spectre x360
45 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

HP Spectre x360

This small, beautifully designed convertible has just the right balance of power, portability and design for a general-purpose premium laptop.

-- Lori Grunin

Apple MacBook (2017)
46 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple MacBook (2017)

Apple's 12-inch laptop finally goes from cult favorite to mainstream with a better keyboard and faster processors. It's simply the best lightweight travel laptop you can buy.

-- Dan Ackerman

GoPro Hero6 Black
47 of 53 CNET

GoPro Hero6 Black

It might look the same as the Hero5 Black, but inside is GoPro's custom-designed processor, the GP1, that's responsible for a whole lot of improvements to photo and video quality and remarkably good electronic image stabilization. It's an easy pick as the Editors' Choice action camera for 2017.

-- Joshua Goldman

SNES Classic
48 of 53 CNET

SNES Classic

The SNES Classic is the perfect sampling of the SNES' impressive library and a testament to how well its games have aged. The $80 package also includes two controllers, so consider yourself lucky if you're able to score one.

-- Jeff Bakalar

Nintendo Switch
49 of 53 Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Nintendo Switch

It hasn't even been a year since the Switch's release, but the hybrid console's growing list of must-have exclusive titles makes it the most pure fun gaming console of 2017.

-- Jeff Bakalar

sphero-sw-launch-21
50 of 53 CNET / Ian Knighton

Sphero R2-D2

BB-8 was cool, and Lightning McQueen was like a Pixar movie come to life. But Sphero's R2-D2 takes things to a whole other level. It's less a toy, and more a miniature movie prop.

Movies Anywhere
51 of 53 Screenshot by Iyaz Akhtar/CNET

Movies Anywhere

We never formally reviewed Movies Anywhere. But the free service -- which cross pollinates most movies purchased on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon and Google Play so they're available, well, anywhere -- has opened up plenty of new options when streaming. 

Video: CNET's top-rated products of 2017
Video: CNET's top-rated products of 2017
3:58
52 of 53 Sarah Tew/CNET

Video: CNET's top-rated products of 2017

Before we wrap our favorite products of 2017, here's a quick video recap of some of the top standouts.

2018-chevrolet-camaro-ss-8
53 of 53 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Next up: Roadshow's 10 favorite cars of the year

Looking for more best of 2017? Check out Roadshow's 10 favorite cars of the year.

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